18 Easy Things to Draw When You're Bored

Have you ever been in a situation where you find yourself trapped in a boredom loop with the question of what to do with your spare time? Why not try drawing? Drawing is an awesome activity that turns spare time into playtime with imagination. It provides limitless joy and discovery for people regardless of age. You can kill your boredom by just doing simple sketches or colorful paintings.

The good thing about drawing is that you do not need to be a professional to begin. Everyone can do it. All you need is your readiness. There are many simple subjects and methods in the world that are waiting for you to find and develop your artistic talents.

In this guide, we will offer 18 exciting and awesome drawing ideas, covering everything from wildlife illustrations to abstract geometric designs. It's time to pick your pencil and do something creative. So, be ready to fill those blank canvases with your creativity to bring your ideas to life!

Benefits of Drawing

Sketching is a fabulous way to simultaneously entertain oneself and spark creativity. Digital art can be created on computers, tablets, and smartphones, which is still based on the fundamental principles of traditional artistry, but it uses digital tools instead. Apart from sharpening your cognitive abilities, participating in drawing exercises will also enhance your drawing techniques. In addition, It also improves your communication skills.

Drawing provides a broad list of benefits not only for beginners who are just looking for easy drawing ideas to kill time but also for experienced artists who are searching for new ideas and inspiration:

1. Boosts Communication Abilities: Drawing helps you visualize concepts, making it easier for you to describe them to others. The process of transforming thoughts into visual forms can be a very effective means of boosting creativity.

2. Fosters Creativity: When you are thinking about what to draw during your free time, it makes you feel like you can experiment and see the world from different angles, thus you can express the feelings that are hard to put into words.

3. Enhance Emotional Intelligence: The practice of drawing promotes the development of compassion and thus understanding of personal feelings that are crucial for emotional intelligence.

4. Strengthens Memory: The ability to draw makes the recall of images better as compared to only reading or writing them. In addition, it also enhances memory to remember the minute visual details in the future. 

5. Improves Problem-Solving Abilities: Problem-solving and analytical thinking are the skills that are developed as a result of the challenge of visualizing ideas into paper. These skills are also useful in daily life situations. 

6. Boosts Self-Confidence: Taking part in creative activities can greatly raise your self-esteem and confidence levels. The finalized pieces of art serve as evidence of one’s inventiveness.

7. Lowering Stress Level: Drawing helps in stress reduction by bringing about a calm concentration during the creation process without worrying about the outcome.

Why not try it? It can make your time worthy and make your life better in a lot of different ways.

Explore Different Shading Techniques

It is also important to know various shading techniques in order to improve your drawings. These techniques create a sense of depth by making flat drawings look like they are three-dimensional, 3D visuals.

Regular practice is very important for getting really good at drawing with pencil techniques. Trying out different perspectives and building shapes from scratch helps you get better and better.

Drawing is not only good for timepass but it is also fun. Take some time daily to enhance your drawing skills. Utilize various methods and tools. It is not necessary to start from the top. You can start with some simple shapes. Or possibly learn more about colors and their relationships. Many things can be drawn to help better at drawing. Having mastered these foundations one is then able to develop their individuality in art.

So follow your imagination and have fun!

My List of Interesting Things To Draw When You’re Bored

Are you still puzzled over what to sketch in those boring moments? Well, I’ve compiled a list of interesting drawing ideas for you to try out. These are some of the most engaging kinds of things that you can draw and they are really easy.

From cute cartoons to calm landscapes and more – start your art journey with these fun drawing prompts today!

1. Cupcake

You cannot miss out on drawing a cupcake! It is the most appropriate thing for such times because who wouldn’t want to draw something so delightful? Picture yourself drawing this sweet treat; all you need is a base that looks like a cup, add some icing, and then decorate with different colored sprinkles. Anyone can do it – not necessarily a professional artist. Practice makes perfect and before long, one will be able to create their own mouthwatering cupcake designs effortlessly. 

2. A Cute Animal

Always go for a cute animal when stuck on what to draw. For example, making a cartoon cat is simple hence allowing room for much creativity. If you are not good at art, do not worry because even beginners can enjoy themselves by either tracing or using pictures as reference points.
Start by sketching the general shape of the animal you want then gradually put in details such as fur texture, eyes, whiskers, and a small adorable nose. At some point maybe even try dressing up your drawings with things like collars or toys so that they look more lively. As time goes on with continuous practice, one will realize that apart from being fun, these exercises also help in relieving stress.

3. A Flower

When you’re feeling uninspired, grab your sketchbook and get creative! Have you ever drawn a flower before? It might seem like a simple thing to do but it can be really fun and the final result is always a burst of colour that will brighten any room. Begin by making a circle in the middle for the flower’s center then add petals around it with smooth strokes connecting back into each other at their tips.

Don’t forget about leaves or stems either – they bring this little creation to life!

4. Shape Drawing

Once you have got all these things down tap though, don’t hold back on throwing some paint at it because why not? This is an excellent way of adding some cheerfulness to your day as well as space!
Whenever you have nothing else to do, drawing basic shapes can be a good pastime that encourages creativity and helps improve your skills in art. Simply pick one shape and keep sketching until something comes up!
Here are some ideas for shapes that may kick off inspiration:

Circles

Try out different sizes or arrangements with circles to make abstract art.

Squares

Draw squares in varying sizes then mix them up totally when drawing so many squares.

Triangles

Start drawing triangles is an easy thing still they never grow old because of how adaptive they are; use triangles among other things as well thus yielding complex patterns

Hexagons

Draw several hexagons – playing around with dark and light tones plus different scales or incorporating them into intricate designs.

Stars

Create a magical setting by dotting the canvas with stars in different sizes and colors.

Cones

Try drawing cones of different sizes and angles that will result in a fascinating 3D illusion. This way, you can use these basic forms in your free time to create masterpieces. Now that you are getting better at drawing lines, move to more challenging subjects like landscape drawings and character sketches. If you are like me, grab the iPad or Apple Pencil and begin to draw.

5. A Tree

Engaging in drawing is an excellent distraction during moments of boredom, whether you're confined indoors by the weather or simply searching for a creative outlet. Trees, with their timeless appeal and distinct forms, stand out as a classic subject for artists. To create a lifelike depiction of a forested landscape, follow these guidelines:

• Begin with the trunk, extending into the primary limbs.

• Incorporate finer branches to add complexity to your tree's silhouette.

• Sketch in foliage, opting for either detailed leaves or grouped clusters to suggest leafiness.

• Enhance realism through careful application of shadows and highlights, crafting a sense of volume and texture.

• Refine your drawing by removing any superfluous lines or errors.

Drawing a tree can be a relaxing activity. It is a fun and easy way that you can do time and time again. Therefore, regular practice will refine your drawing skills, making each new tree you sketch more lifelike and nuanced than the last.

6. A Random Object in Detail

Picture yourself looking at things around you with the eyes of a child. Every small thing, be it grass, the texture of a stone, or the whirls in your coffee has in it the capacity for unending exploration. These marvels of everyday life often serve as sources of artistic inspiration, especially during periods of laziness.
To start, you don’t need expensive materials; there is no limit to how far you can go in sketching no matter your level of competence.
Your pencil can always find something to draw its strokes around whether it is a quiet scenic beauty spot, a cute little animal, or just some random patterns without any definite meaning. Below are some interesting ideas for drawings when you feel stuck:

1. 
   Show the ruggedness and seams of a shoe

2. Discover cosmic scenes with galaxies full of stars.

3. Take note of patterns within the foam created from coffee brewing

4. Create compositions by including things commonly seen together

5. Make an abstract piece by arranging shapes in different ways so that they form a certain design

So, instead of reaching out for your devices next time when boredom strikes why don’t you grab pencil paper too? You’ll be amazed at what simple sketches can do during leisure hours.

7. A Still-Life Drawing

If you want to draw something but don’t know what, a still-life is a good choice. They are easy to do and help you develop your skills as an artist while exploring your creativity in art. Therefore, you may find it difficult to pick one from the many objects available.
Here are some fun still-life ideas that you can try next time:

1. Draw a Bowl of Fruit.

Fruits like apples or oranges make for great still-life subjects because they are so colorful and bright—you could even eat them afterward!

2. Draw a Simple Flower Base with Colorful Flowers.

Challenge yourself on various flower types and vase shapes which would require knowledge about perspective drawing as well as how light falls on objects thereby creating shadows.

3. Draw a Stack of Books.

Select a few books that mean something significant to you for your still-life composition. Arrange them in any way you like—think about all the knowledge just waiting at arm’s length from where you are sitting right now! Make sure also to get some practice capturing these forms correctly so don’t shy away from drawing difficult angles too much.

4. Draw a Variety of Kitchen Utensils.

This could include anything from spoons and whisks to chef's knives with unique textures, kitchen tools provide a rich source of inspiration. My personal favorite is a 9” chef’s knife with dimples.

5. Draw a Toy Box Filled with Your Childhood Toys.

Do not shy away from revisiting your childhood through art because it's an adorable drawing idea. Therefore, it could be sweet also draw toys like stuffed animals, board games, or action figures arranged in a playful and creative manner.
Whichever option you pick, the main thing is to have fun doing it and not worry about messiness – mistakes can often lead to new and interesting outcomes when it comes to art!

8. A Character From a Book

Drawing a character from a book can be such an enjoyable way of expressing yourself artistically and improving your ability to draw at the same time, whether they are someone you loved as a child in one of those fantastic stories or even if it's just now from some adventurous novel series. If you’re into fantasy then why not try out sketching elves or dragons? But maybe pirates would suit better for people who enjoy action-packed tales filled with excitement.
No matter what genre preference there may be each and every single book contains multitudes of different individuals waiting to come alive through your pencil onto sheets of loose-leaf paper. Even if you’ve only ever made basic stick figure drawings before this could still work for you – start by making simple outlines around them and then gradually add more detail until they become three-dimensional-looking artworks instead!
Not only is it fun but also when you draw characters from books it enriches the bond between yourself and those tales that have touched your heart.

9. Head or Skull

Feeling bored? Want something creative to do? Try drawing heads or skulls. This task can cater to all levels of skill – from easy designs that take only a few lines up to complicated ones with many details included; just because it's simple doesn’t mean that it’s not interesting!
You don’t need to be good at drawing in order to have fun with it. Ease and accessibility are key factors when selecting an activity, so this is perfect if you want some light relief whilst honing your artistic talents too. In fact, starting off by sketching a circle and then adding facial features might suit those who prefer things being kept basic – they can decide later on whether they’d like their creation to look cute or realistic.
Let's start by drawing the eyes and nose, and then we can add more details such as hair, eyebrows, lips, and even accessories one at a time. Let yourself go wild! You could give your character a top hat, some fancy sunglasses, or even a bow tie. For an extra challenge draw each facial feature separately before combining them into a face.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, drawing a head (or skull) is fun and it will help you improve your artistic skills. So grab those pencils and let's get started!

10. A Self Portrait

Creating a self-portrait is an excellent way to express yourself artistically when you are feeling bored. Take a few minutes to look at yourself in the mirror, or if that feels weird take a quick selfie with your phone for reference. Pay attention to your unique shapes and lines.
Try to show how your eyes look when you are thinking about something, where your jaw changes direction slightly in different places along its length, or what happens with small movements near the corners of your mouth. Keep these things in mind as you begin!
Don’t worry if it doesn’t look right at first; with practice your drawings will become more recognizable and you’ll feel prouder about them. Watch as what was once just a rough sketch turns into something much more complex and detailed!

11. A Piece of Jewelry

For those who like to draw but don’t have much free time, creating art is a great way to fill up those spare moments. Jewellery can be simple or very complicated so there are endless possibilities when it comes to drawing styles.
Start by creating an outline of the basic shape and form, then add in details such as gemstones or textures. Use color and shading to give your work depth and realism. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and materials until you get the look you want!
The more you practice the better able you will be at making one-of-a-kind pieces that people will love!

12. A Cityscape

I love nothing more than taking pictures of cities. It’s so peaceful and thought-provoking – there’s never a bad time for it.
This move from individuals to masses of buildings with character provides an interesting challenge that is suitable for all sorts of artists. Begin by drawing the shapes of skyscrapers in the distance. Once this has been achieved start putting down where all windows would go etcetera – basic architectural features should not be forgotten. If you want things to look even simpler use some lines going towards different points for perspective.
To make your cityscape lively experiment with a variety of colors and textures: classical styles may benefit from more subtle shades while avant-garde approaches could be enhanced by bright ones. Urban sketching knows no bounds – it is way more interesting than plain old stick figures.

13. A Vehicle

If you feel bored, try drawing cars. You can choose to draw either simple or complex types of vehicles such as trucks or motorcycles. It is necessary to spend time drawing different cars and trains when one is bored enough.

It is difficult to know where to begin when drawing a vehicle. You could ask your friend for suggestions on which particular model they want sketched. When drawing any vehicle, beginners are advised to look for its picture and use it as a reference.

Have as many references as possible for different angles and views. The very first step in drawing a car is to make an outline of its shape. Drawing the wheels too might be compatible with this point depending on the type of car one chooses.

At this point, one can either draw a truck or a simple sedan. A lot of construction lines should be used if one were to draw any form of transportation. To enhance your creativity while drawing vehicles you are encouraged to sketch them from different perspectives. For instance bird eye view side view etc.

14. Sunset or Sunrise

To relax, during times of inactivity, you may draw a picture of the dawn or dusk line. Creating a beautiful landscape takes only a few steps.

First, draw a straight horizontal line in the middle of your canvas to show where the sky meets the earth. To make sure it is accurate, you can use a ruler.

The next step is to sketch out the sun and clouds with simple shapes like triangles for rays or rectangles for part of the cloud cover. If you want more detail on your clouds, lightly shade them in with pencil strokes going in one direction.

When coloring starts happening then this is when things really come alive; give off some warm light such as reds, oranges & yellows into the sky around where our big round friend would be sitting at this time welcoming us home from work so yeah make sure there's lots of different shades there (crimson being my personal favorite).

As far as those fluffy things up high are concerned though they’re gonna need some blue followed closely by purple mixed together with grey until we achieve that desired depth which can either be done using a brush or if you prefer a more hands-on approach crumple up some tissue paper

Adding elements like trees on the ground level or stars up above will complete your piece nicely while also creating a more interesting picture. Grabbing darker shades of pencils and adding them to the lower parts of your sky can really help make those sunrises/sunsets pop too!

By taking care to add details slowly and thinking about what colors go where, you’ll end up with a picture that wows anyone who sees it.

15. Draw Your Favorite Building or Landmark

Illustrating familiar architectures or landmarks can infuse your sketches with personal significance. Whether it's an iconic edifice from your hometown or a memorable landmark from travels, these structures offer rich inspiration.

Begin by breaking down your subject into basic forms, then gradually add more details like fenestration, entrances, and architectural ornamentation. Experimenting with varied viewpoints adds dynamism to your drawing. Enjoy the process and feel free to share your creation!

16. A Cartoon Character

Feeling bored? Drawing cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse, might be the enjoyable challenge you're looking for. Cartoon characters are not only entertaining to draw but also provide a fantastic chance to exercise your creativity in coming up with engaging sketches during dull moments. Since drawing human anatomy can be complex, starting with cartoons could be more approachable. To start crafting your adorable cartoon creation, you'll need just a pencil, paper, and a little creativity. For inspiration, immerse yourself in the world of cartoons you adore. Observe their distinct facial expressions, body types, and fashion choices to shape the vision of your character.

If you've got a few ideas, make some initial sketches to see if anything jumps out at you. Then transfer it into your favorite sketchbook and work on drawing it better. You may want to pay special attention to creating unique facial features and adding details that bring out your character’s personality. Name your creation, give them a back story, maybe even a memorable catchphrase. Cartoon drawing can be fun and also provide a means for passing time while at the same stimulating imagination. Simple drawings could grow into complex characters. Who knows? You might just end up creating a new favorite cartoon character!

17. An Awesome Landscape

Would you like to challenge yourself? Start a landscape project that will improve your drawing skills and produce beautiful works of art. Although this may seem difficult, there are many uncomplicated items that can serve as subjects for the beginner artist.

First of all, decide on what kind of scene attracts your attention most; whether it is a realistic view of the seashore or forest or an abstract and imaginary place. Choose the medium you prefer to work with – pencil, ink, or watercolors; also think about a mood you want people to feel looking at your picture – quietness and peace or activity and movement.

When building up a landscape start from the horizon line and move downwards. If, one is not very experienced in this kind of work he/she might outline some trees but for the first time let it be rather a general view with suggestions on birds flying, animals running, and rivers flowing down through woods.

18. A Butterfly

When I am feeling uninspired and have nothing better to do, I draw butterflies. Their vibrant wings make them enchanting creatures as they flap gracefully around the page. This simple little thing never fails me because no matter how drab or dull my mood might have been before; once started, this activity always manages somehow or another to captivate all five senses till eventually there’s not a single part of me left without some form of engagement.

It’s a matter of outlining the body first and then going on to the wings. I usually put antennas and eyes that resemble small faces at the top part of each wing so as to give them life and character, but even without these features, they can be quite charming in their own right. This is perhaps why out of all the things I do during my leisure time; there is something about drawing butterflies that never fails to both relax and excite me simultaneously.

Bottom Line

Dealing with boredom can indeed be frustrating; however, it presents a perfect opportunity to unwind through drawing. My affection for sketching stems from its ability to spark creativity and provide engaging occupation.

No matter your skill level, whether you're a professional artist or a complete beginner, there are plenty of simple subjects waiting for you to explore. While I've introduced a few new drawing ideas to get you started, the world of art is vast and full of opportunities for discovery.